Etta James + Doctor John 'I'd Rather Go Blind' 1987

[For Coal} BB King introduces The Bluesy Diva Miss Etta James ... performing her classic torch song ... with Doctor John ... on the TV concert ... A Blues Session: BB King And Friends in 1987.

[@rebeccawrite1614]

This video is not a performance. It is an experience.

[@pearltaylor8956]

Becky Write about a

[@kuksybee]

You are so right. Etta drags you in and drowns you in love and passion. I play this video once a day. She's definitely one of my 5-a-day. That look she gives to Dr John before she goes deep is something else. Every day I play this and Luther with Cheryl Lynn from Soul Train. Love satisfaction

[@bevmacisaac]

Rebecca Write You nailed it!!

[@rudolfrainer89]

Rebecca Write l Pepe das

[@Whiskeyjack666ify]

Etta takes you to a better place every time she sings

[@FletcherS92]

This performance, without fail gets me tearing up year after year. One of the greatest performances of all time. RIP

[@nRu1966]

me too

[@dayram6217]

Same. Im in tears

[@treeline9097]

@@dayram6217 ppppppppppppp0p0000p09

[@bradsmith9411]

Same

[@liamrdavidson]

tears of joy

[@reygomez2306]

This video will be watched by me till my dying days.

[@shopcrate5687]

That's what you call a legendary stage performance

[@itsalljan]

The range of emotions I felt during this song left me needing a cigarette and I don’t smoke.

[@clionamoore8365]

I challenge anyone to listen to this and not end up with sore cheeks from smiling out of pure joy !

[@dorothythomas4800]

Yes yes in 2023 I have the biggest smile on my face. Now my face hurts😂😂😂😂

[@mobolaji01]

Challenge lost ❤

[@lisamccarthy6969]

😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@lisamccarthy6969]

Hits me good times an also bad times.....jus gets me every time❤

[@user-kn4yk1oy1n]

INDEED 👍

[@beachdog67]

And now they're all gone. But how lucky were we to live on the same planet, at the same time? Music has sustained my life for seven decades, and I thank all three of these artists for feeding me.

[@dayram6217]

Let us think of those artists with the most gratitude and respect.

[@beachdog67]

@@dayram6217 indeed. My feelings exactly.

[@starkheart4441]

beachdog67 Well said! My exact thoughts

[@delvikingjr5739]

Well said , I feel the same way Great music from the 40' to the 90's . After that , hmmm , no comment .

[@beachdog67]

@@delvikingjr5739 I have to respectfully disagree. I think remarkable music is still occurring, just that the hunt is more of a challenge than it was in my youth. But in many genres there are still gifted, passionate artists bringing us light. There is still new music that warms my heart, and nourishes my soul. Of course, there's a lot that does not also. Much of the latter is most readily accessible. I think some of that's the nature of the music business. And some (just for myself now) has to do with the fact I've aged out of the target demo for much of what's being done. It's not SUPPOSED to speak to me. Wouldn't be working right if it DIDN'T annoy grandpa.

[@jakubiak25]

Just woke to the news... I hope you are both singing together again now in heaven. RIP Dr John. Xx

[@neohomme]

I was shocked, to say the least...what a loss

[@jakubiak25]

did you not watch this video??? with BB King and Etta James, wherever these two are is heaven to me...

[@chicofromph33nix64]

@Big Bill O'Reilly c'mon dude.. you know what heaven is and where it's at. It's a man made fairy tale to keep ppl in check out of fear of going to hell.. get with the PROGRAM...

[@lilgreeneyesp637]

@@jakubiak25 ain't tha the truth

[@lilgreeneyesp637]

@Big Bill O'Reilly what is hell.... ???...

[@lazaruslong3654]

You know what the definition of a nightmare is? It's having to go on stage following THAT!

[@bamadeadhead]

Lazarus Long 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@spandalf]

Definitely!! She's incredible

[@katyhaymus1029]

🎯

[@sdfjgksgf]

If I'm not mistaken the next act was SRV and Buddy Guy.

[@elizabethcarter135]

Listening to this I can feel the cracks in her heart.

[@kaybullo5291]

SHE WAS ONE OF THE BEST EVER...........THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER ETTE JAMES.. R.S.P. WE ALL LOVE U. THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR WONDERFUL VOICE WITH ALL OF US..

[@Powerplay4545]

I LOVE that the audience totally understands Etta's incredible, soul-tearing heart-cry of lament at 3:45

[@Mulavi]

Dr. John was in the right place at the right time for that one. Fantastic!

[@raygaudet3183]

The Matriarch of the Blues at her best….RIP…Gone but not forgotten…

[@samlong2370]

I've watched this for years and can't find a better performance. I've decided it is the best video ever.

[@Carlschwamberger1]

They did nail it.

[@7865kenny]

sam long it is my favorite as well

[@Daisy-May-]

Absolutely...played it at my wedding 15yrs ago and still come back to it everytime

[@robertrichardson9953]

Dr. John still performs

[@Dethjingles995]

It's my favorite video of this song...

[@bobettejennett8085]

Rest In Peace for Etta James, Dr. John and B.B. King

[@katyhaymus1029]

⚘🍃⚘🍃⚘

[@maem9246]

@@katyhaymus1029, beautiful emoji artwork !

[@kennethwright3703]

I’m eighty two years of age.There still a party going on.

[@ahoneekesong9004]

@@kennethwright3703 that's amazing sir . You are so blessed. I am only 19 and I wish to age like you have 🧡.

[@kennethwright3703]

@@ahoneekesong9004 You

[@RealMexFoodShouldntGiveUDrrhea]

No one doing it quite like Miss Etta. Raw emotion and talent

[@inactive1435]

This is just the perfect example of a duet. Two artists vibing and getting so into the material that they lose themselves in the performance

[@steve7764]

Absolutely

[@kermitthompson8058]

Definitely a beautiful expression of losing yourself to a song and sharing it with another who feels the same vibe.

[@aapple3749]

Two titans. We were so blessed to have them for as long as we did.

[@angelahutchinson9261]

I listen to this,over and over and over.I never get enough.Please don't walk away from me baby please don't go.I've been there.

[@BeerBreath702]

Ahhhhhhhhh. This is my 5372963648386274936264936294728863 time listening to this and I still get chills!!!!!!!

[@lukedavis1769]

Pure, raw, unfiltered soul and oh so so smooth... What talent...

[@dougjack7912]

Shedding a quick tear for the legend that was Dr John. RIP Mac.

[@HenningOKlejs]

Taped this show off of the TV in 1988 when I was 15. I watched it over and over, and this performance blew me away. Today my stepdaughter visited and mentioned Etta James, and I found this. Now I'm choking up because of the power and soul of this song ❤️. Music is a strong force

[@raquelarteaga2308]

Talk about making the song cry. Incredible, I am in my 30s in 2019, and I’m crying my eyes out. I can feel it in my soul - guess that’s why the call it soul music!

[@eggedon6112]

Awwwe! That's so nice, to feel, the music, right down in ya Soul! Happy trails.

[@naddorothy2321]

its hard to contain a tear with such a powerful song.

[@evongilford392]

Im crying 2..😭😭

[@atenauu1]

I have never seen such a perfect combination of voices - she is powerful yet subdued, he is meek yet leading her. Dr. John is carrying her from the middle of the song, supporting her, although we all know that such a force of the universe needs nothing but space to shine. I have listened to the clean, original recording, and it is wonderful in its perfection. But perhaps too perfect. This version, a bit raspy, a bit disorganised, is what blues is all about: suffering, inability to keep your soul together at times, and oh wonderful wonderful passion. This is something all serious musicians should aspire towards, regardless of the musical genre. Thank you Etta. You will never go away.

[@KafilDin]

Oh yeah

[@bender138]

I don't know about you,but I could see the "smoke of a distant fire" when they were looking at and singing at each other.

[@shannonfisher5829]

Well said. Here it is, may 2020, quarantine and tears are rolling. Being a musician on lockdown is brutal but I can listen to the greats, laugh, cry, sing along and for awhile I can forget the real world. Thank you

[@eggedon6112]

Atena, well stated. No truer words. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@Xen-ov3nu]

They'd have made a fantastic couple

[@dvmabs383]

Those who disliked this you didn't belong here anyway

[@calvinhobbes5686]

RIP, Doctor, from an old (70) NOLA fan, who remembers what good weed you had. Peace, night trippin’ gris gris man. Last of the best.

[@janiceward2169]

70 years, plenty years ahead man...!!!

[@nolancoach8954]

Calvin Hobbes

[@user-ji8ll1qn6o]

wait you met him???

[@tedjh]

RIP Doc. Had to revisit this gem when I heard of your passing ♡

[@mackgrout]

tedjh me too

[@TSALAGI1839]

Ladies and Gentlemen, you just saw lighting caught in a bottle!!!!!!!!!!

[@viringiawilson3487]

💋💋💓💞👍

[@JimmieLouClements-hc6ht]

These two really knew how to pull the audience into the warm fuzzy feelings with their performance. ♥️♥️♥️

[@hannrkelley]

Sheesh. Some moment. How can you have feelings like that and not fall apart on stage? Emotional experts.

[@AustinTeutsch-ow9sy]

THIS is so fine, it will never get any better, so don't go looking for it, it's right in front of you. RIP Etta and the Dr.

[@marycigarettes]

best thing ever ... what a performance ..oh my god.

[@albertarichardson3218]

man this performance is amazing they dint do them like this anymore I love Etta and Dr John r so cute together RIP Etta

[@vondahe]

Alberta Richardson Amen to that. That’s because no one writes powerful love songs anymore, singers don’t sing with this strength anymore, and musicians cannot play like this, either. At best, some grinning mediocrities might attempt to copy these stars - and predictably fail. We will never again have stars like these because music today is about looks and image, not about your voice or ability to write music, let alone play instruments.

[@lukedavis1769]

Raw, unfiltered... Yet smooth and sensual. God given talent. 🕊️💜🕊️

[@lipsticklover34]

Yes, all three blues music legends, yet gone but NEVER FOROTTEN!! RIP to Mr. King, Ms. Etta & Dr. John singing to God in the heavens!!😇❤💙💙🙏🕊🕊🕊🎵🎼🎶

[@jonathonappleseed8893]

If they are gone, then why do they make me so alive.

[@mannyhurtado2739]

Wow she will always have that amazing voice and especially all her songs long lives all her heart and soul ♥️

[@andrewbarone8605]

I wish they made music like this today.

[@timhill2849]

andrew barone... they aint got a clue how to make music like this nowadays. No clue.

[@melodysetliff3726]

Me too

[@viringiawilson3487]

🍷🍸🍓🍓🍓🍓🌹🎩

[@Human36262]

Two years later am still wishing the same

[@viringiawilson3487]

@@Human36262 🛀🌹🙌👭💋💘👢👠

[@edcotter5163]

Watch her face at the 5:11 mark. She knew hit everything right! It's my favorite live performance by any artist ever. So much emotion expressed its beyond words. Someone hurt her emotionally and this song was her way to grieve it. Stunningly powerful and eternal! Thank you Etta! Rest in Peace!

[@joanwright2829]

Ed Cotter

[@markdelnegro1555]

Ed Cotter iiii

[@tommyscott2515]

Ed Cots nsn

[@angelahutchinson9261]

Well put

[@peterklein3354]

I guess she was confident before. It struck me at 4:49 that she knew they both struck it for ages. Afterwards it was running for the home-run. I agree - marvelous performance

[@TF58582]

We are truly blessed to have their influence in music today. Still rather hear these songs than anything present. Hard to find artists that make you feel the true emotion of their songs like they are capable of.

[@bdobro240]

Big Momma kills it for the 35 lost souls truly amazing your lying to yourself if you can't catch a groove to this

[@nikkichevyable]

It isn't a matter of them lying to themselves as it is their brain can't comprehend

[@kimberlyrachalgreen]

Wow! Etta is a one-of-a kind treasure, and this just reinforces that fact! Did you see how Dr. John had to prepare himself for that performance - he knew what he was getting himself into! Rest in Heaven Miss Etta. You've earned it...

[@MichaelScarborough423]

When Etta James gives you a headlock on stage, you go with it, lol. Fantastic performance.

[@shelaakaumi]

Miz Etta James Dr. John B.B. King. Together. I just got goose bumps whe Dr. John came out, walking toward Etta and they began to sing. It got to me so good, tears started falling. Whew! I agree. An experience!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@lybardhoppe6961]

Lots of truly great players and singers have covered this song - but no one can touch this version by Etta James with Dr John.

[@rohanroll]

This version and THIS PARTICULAR RENDITION. It's bone chilling, it's raw emotion, it's masterful singing and acting... I swear to God I've seen and listened to this one dozens of times and it gets me every single time. I've even played along to it and usually find myself hands down, stuck in awe, unable to play any note. That's how powerful it gets!!

[@SalamiUmami]

Burned the whole fucking block down

[@ZaynaBunny]

That was incredible. I got chills and tears. They don't do it like this anymore!

[@scottybhoy1988]

Music died man. Nowadays all they like is utter shite!

[@RM-gm7lu]

You can say that again my man

[@ninijoy6345]

no passion in todays music

[@jimblowBANKS]

check out Paolo nutinis cover. unreal

[@scottybhoy1988]

Seen it buddy:)

[@MrMobo41]

First the chills, then the chills keep rollin, then when Doc steps up, them ol' chills turned to goose flesh, and when the two moan out together, I tell you the truth, this old man shed tears of joy for the song, and tears of regret that they are gone. RIP you two.

[@Galilean6]

I can't even imagine seeing this amazing woman perform live...right in front of my face. I just can't even fathom. I would cry, I would die. RIP Etta.

[@itsthatwutangguy.9370]

+WomanInRed you are are a good person.my friend.

[@greens5283]

+WomanInRed i drove 3 hrs. to see etta when she played at trump taj in atlantic city in 2009. her son played on drums. she was amazing. her ankles though were the size of grapefruits. sadly, they had to help her on and off the stage. she died about 3 years later. jeff beck on guitar and beth hart singing do a wonderful job of this song.

[@rozenaxsax5133]

I saw her twice in San Francisco in the mid 70's. She played there a lot at the Stud bar. Right up there in our faces. She was always awesome and had a fantastic band with a long-blonde-haired guitarist named Brian something who was really really great. Never did know his last name.

[@jozseftoth619]

Paulie h

[@jozseftoth619]

Paulie h

[@kendrasspongeasmr210]

Listenin after the bad news. Fly high and keep singin Dr John!

[@shannonfisher5829]

Just noticed the "don't likes ". OMG! Guess they ain't never had their heart ripped apart. Etta James is the boss of jerking them tears right out of your heart so they come out your eyes and roll down your face

[@WolfNippleChips71]

That is the most soul that has ever been in one place at any given time anywhere in the world. So much that it could never ever be duplicated.

[@greghawkes9239]

Was lucky to see her perform a few times. Her and Aretha best ever.

[@kimberlyrachalgreen]

Amazing! RIP Etta. You were the cream of the crop.

[@ladyjusticewarriorqueenz2005]

This is LOVE SONG with Power of Love between a man & woman. Love Will Conquer All.

[@shirleystevenson9869]

I believe all the good music is in HEAVEN !

[@cowboyboots123]

My all time favorite musical moment!

[@ronroberts1281]

I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO SEE ETTA IN .SF. CALID EMBARCADERO SQUARE. IN THE EARLY 80'S. YEOW BABY YEOW!

[@angelahutchinson9261]

Lucky you

[@rickyleftridge6981]

ETTA JAMES YOU TOUCH THE CORE OF WHAT TRUE LOVE IS ALL. ABOUT; I 'LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, MY FAVORITE SINGER OF ALL TIME.EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE FROM DOCTOR JOHN!!!

[@anl2738]

großartig. Etta James ist einer der größten Sängerinnen des 20 Jahrhundert

[@rainaspook4082]

R.I.P Miss Etta James this takes the breath out of ya what a pair such a lady and song crying oxoxo

[@sjd5750]

Unbelievable!...How in the HELL can there be 14 dislikes for this?!!...You' ve got to be kidding!....I love the look on Dr. John's face when she's singing into his chest....He's on cloud nine....The power of this performance is incredible!...Wow!

[@MissJessiePie]

I agree. And now it's 15. I feel like Dr John starts to almost faff his words cos she out-improvises him, it just adds to the brilliance of it all. I mean she's like a big scary exotic bird about to eat him. I don't blame him. Ha!

[@sjd5750]

I agree...She does seem to lead the good Dr. around on a leash a little here, but like you said; who could blame him?..As talented as he is I believe he has ventured on to her playground here...She's gracious enough to go easy on him though...:)...Still, just a wonderful performance all the way around.

[@djandersonny]

This is it. I’ve been living on a steady diet of “I’d Rather Go Blind” for a couple of days, and this is maybe the most nourishing of Etta’s performances. Pure essence of the blues - heartbreak, joy, foxy humor, power, tenderness. Jesus! Straight from the depths of her soul, Etta gives us such gifts. Nothing held back. Oh, and the sly interplay with our good Doctor. Heaven!

[@MissJessiePie]

Steve Damico well said, ha, the EJ playground, like it.

[@angelahutchinson9261]

EXACTLYhas to be a hater

[@thereselewicki5948]

HE DOES CARE ABOUT US LOVE U

[@thereselewicki5948]

that was you and me oooooh no i wont let you go you wanna come ove r T

[@lukedavis1769]

Raw, unfiltered... Yet oh soo smoooth. 😎💜😎

[@carolyngordon746]

Absolutely stunning rendition, never tire of it , thank you!

[@stratmanjoe]

This song is INCREDIBLE! You just can’t fake honesty. They were singing to each other. It just don’t get no better than this. Wonderful post, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It touches my soul and everything else. 🙏✌🏻🎙🎶🎵

[@robertsnearly3823]

They may RIP, but they don't rest in my soul. I hear them in my dreams. As real as life. 😊

[@lynnkuehn2164]

I miss you b.b. king and Etta James . I'm sorry that I missed your show in sanfranico. At the time my brother got tickets for me a ticket to fly to see your show . My boss said no. If I did go to your show and fly out to California my boss told me don't come back ,

[@rickrikkardo8346]

Please Don't Walk Away From Me Baby...Please Don't Walk Away From Me Baby...I'D Rather Be Blind!!! What An Amazing Performance!!! And Thats How U Do IT!!!!!

[@dianeashmore2597]

yes yes music..

[@melodysetliff3726]

Someone please bring back the real old school

[@viringiawilson3487]

💋💋💋💋💋💗💛💙💚💛💜👗

[@5490985]

Such a legend giving me chills and tears I tell you!

[@rickcasey8964]

Etta was a powerhouse when she sings it hits your soul rip

[@richardprofita7135]

Thank God I grew up when Idid…..SOUL & GREATNESS!.yuo'll never hear anything like this again...

[@roystonmacadam3916]

Oh my bejesus what a performance by two beautiful souls! RIP 😎

[@luigidimarco629]

Out of all the performance through the years that Etta,and Dr Jon gave the one in 1987 was a monumental performance a genuine classic. AWSOME! !!!

[@justinhuff7915]

You are not gonna find any music today that hits you like this song does. I’ve seen many covers of this song, and many are great, but Etta through that “stank” on it it. You can tell she put her heart and soul in this song when she wrote it

[@donnataipeti5028]

Cant beat the original.. Etta James always

[@jayaucoin6]

Reunited in paradise. RIP Doc....

[@alyxcoward3734]

I come back to this video all the time - and no matter how many times I watch it, I still get goosebumps.

[@lootent-dan]

I definitely grew up listening to the wrong kind of music. Oh man I so love this. I feel this.

[@indiarodgers3739]

I love this so much it's one of my trusty go-to's. It never lets me down. Whatever is happening in life, it lights me right up, touches my soul, gets me laughing and cheering on these phenomenal singers, that have chemistry and talent for days...

[@MrSupernova111]

Amazing performance! I think you don't have to have lived in this era to appreciate the talent.

[@Alexandra_acount3]

Soooo right, All you need are ears and too listen.

[@katrinafarmer207]

Masterpiece ❤

[@anielia1219]

i sob each time i watch this performance. whenever i need a good cry, i come right back here.

[@karenhubbard1644]

They don't make them like you anymore Miss Etta

[@hazelturner4017]

BEAUTIFUL SONG

[@Daisy-May-]

"I guess I was a little delirious...I guess I lost my mind." So glad I got my children to know these tunes. Real lyrics real music.

[@dxjiendxja]

yeah...a gift you gave them!

[@Daisy-May-]

Hope so...they're only young now but after I'm gone...when they hear it hopefully they'll remember that this was one of mum's favourites

[@melodysetliff3726]

Amen

[@Sid-ji1gi]

I just hope that one day people will look back at this footage and appreciate what came before us,,,, I grew up listening to Blues be cause that was the only station I could find on my radio,,,,, KLON was a Jazz Station that played Blues on Sunday afternoons. {2-4pm) As a 10 yr old I discovered the Greats...B.B. King, Miles Davis, Dizzy, Elmore James, Albert King , Thelonious Monk, Hank Mobley.....and the list goes on. I didnt know what Jazz was but it was a sound and style of music I gravitated to and the blues just killed me and it felt right for what I was feeling as a kid that didnt know what living in a place that was broken..... be well everybody and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!😃

[@Jessica271555]

I don't get back home often enough even though it's just right across the river. I found out today that the great Dr. John had passed back in June. I have done not a damn thing but go back and rewatch all the old Dr. John videos and realized that most of them had people who had already gone on and those that are getting close to it. The greats are going and now I really don't know who I'm gonna listen to.

[@elizaphe58]

Rip rocking around my living room.What a Duet still rocking today!

[@samcampbell3619]

This got to my core, amazing x

[@hazelturner4017]

Omg i luv you both of you. Awesome song sing it girl. Boy sing it. Hugs to both of you.

[@jasonwilkerson9497]

I remember I was in 8th grade when I watched this on VHS in the 80s, so cool it's getting lots of views.

[@landodez7068]

three legends on one stage one of the greatest moments in music. it doesn't get any better than this. get chills when she hits that note 👍👏👏👏👏

[@ksullivan728]

I still have this on VHS. Wonderful show. Talk about legends, other performers on that show were Stevie Ray Vaughn, Albert King, Eric Clapton, Paul Butterfield, Chaka Khan, and others. Stevie Ray, Albert King & BB played The Sky Is Crying together; Stevie Ray died a year later. They're all gone now; I cry when I watch this.

[@gentleeyes]

She never lost it

[@sportiboye]

You're so right. She wasn't young, she wasn't beautiful any longer. The only thing she had left was the important stuff!

[@corlettahardy3008]

Yes I"am still listening to you Mrs.Etta James and Dr John great performance Mrs.Etta we share the same birthday Jan 25 great singers and actors born own this day royalty.

[@henokhiyabu9981]

Happy to see her again after a long time ... listen the song when I was young in Eritrea in 80s.

[@carolinewoodman7987]

She’s just that great!

[@dlp2006]

Watching all the dr John videos in my favourites, such a brilliant musician rip

[@Muziekgenot]

Impossible to watch her, to hear her and not to love her, this grande dame.

[@robjontay5052]

No one sang it like it Ms. Etta James. NO ONE.